Apr.9 (GMM) After a few years of Alonso-mania, the Circuit de Catalunya is unlikely to feature a full house for the forthcoming Spanish grand prix.

A record attendance of 141,700 thronged the Barcelona venue a year ago, as Spaniard Fernando Alonso - then the reigning double world champion - diced at the front of the field with his competitive McLaren.

But in 2008, with Alonso now at the wheel of the seventh or eighth fastest car in formula one and also coinciding with a Spanish economic downturn, the circuit looks set to feature up to 20,000 vacant seats for the race later this month.

Another factor likely to be affecting ticket sales is the impending inaugural European grand prix at Valencia, meaning that the F1 calendar features two Spanish venues for the first time in years.